On the recordJune 7, 2012
The oceans on either side of the United States defined this great country, and these oceans are in trouble. They are so big and so vast with so many aspects not understood that it's hard for people to comprehend that they are in trouble. Without the ocean, we wouldn't have the air we breathe or much of the protein we eat. It is our world's largest public trust, and it is essential to human life as we know it. It captures one-third of our carbon emissions, hosts millions of species, and offers limitless recreational and educational opportunities worldwide. Yet over 14 billion pounds of trash end up in our ocean and our beaches each year. Therefore, I urge the Nation to celebrate National Oceans Month and honor World Oceans Day, which is tomorrow, by taking advantage of activities of the Capitol Hill Ocean Week. This summer get wet, go to the beach, clean it up. Clean up the polluted rivers that flow into our oceans, and get in there and volunteer and learn more about the ocean resources upon which we so undeniably rely and how you can work to protect them. I thank all those who have come to Washington for Capitol Hill Ocean Week. We need political friends. The ocean needs political friends. ____________________
